The suggested structure for the research methods essay as discussed in class.
social sciences
Description
This is the suggested structure for the research methods essay as
discussed in class. It is not
prescriptive – students are free to use their own structure.
INTRODUCTION
·
Distinguish between two types
of research methods – qualitative and quantitative – definitions, references
·
Researchers often prefer one
research method over the other
·
Differences between
researchers from different backgrounds – UK and US
·
Different disciplines use
different research methods e.g. chemistry, physics, maths, use quantitative
research while psychology, organisational studies, sociology use qualitative
methods.
·
Researcher needs to be aware
that there is quality criteria in research of the need for quality standards in
their research and that their research will be evaluated in light of these
criteria.
MAIN BODY OF ESSAY
In this section you should discuss the characteristics of both methods.
Quantitative - key characteristics of this
method, limitations and benefits, refer to validity, reliability, refer to the
techniques used e.g. questionnaires
Qualitative - key characteristics of this
method, limitations and benefits, refer to validity, reliability, refer to the
techniques/tools used e.g. in-depth interviews, observation, review of
documents etc.
Need a linking sentence before
conclusion – it is clear that there are many differences between qualitative
and quantitative methods. The argument
as to which is the best continues.
CONCLUSION
·
Why should researcher be aware
of both methods?
·
If a researcher is not
familiar with both methods, they may face some problems when addressing their
research questions e.g. an exploratory study may require qualitative methods.
·
May limit the choices of
research studies available to the researcher
·
Researchers need to be aware
of both methods so that they can choose the appropriate method to answer their
specific research question.
·
There may be a preference for
one type of method in their particular discipline
·
If researchers are familiar
with both methods, then they may make use of a mixed methods approach which is
growing in popularity – makes most use of advantages of both methods and
addresses the limitations of both
